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| United States Patent |
6,145,337
|
|
Wilson
|
November 14, 2000
|
System and method for securely storing and transporting detachable
personal items in a travel case
Abstract
This present invention is a storage system for organizing and transporting
detachable cosmetics, cosmetic equipment, and other personal items. The
system and method for securely storing and transporting detachable
cosmetics, cosmetic equipment, and other personal items includes a top
cover; a bottom cover hingedly attached to the top cover at a rectangular
side; a fastener system for fastening the top cover to the bottom cover in
a closed position; an internal lining of touch fastener material on the
top cover and the bottom cover; a plurality of touch fastener decals
matched to the internal lining of the top and bottom cover to provide a
method of attaching cosmetics, cosmetic equipment, and other personal
items to the interior of the travel case; and a cooling system proximate
to the travel case.
| Inventors:
|
Wilson; Nanci (6649 Whitemarsh Valley Walk, Austin, TX 78746)
|
| Assignee:
|
Wilson; Nanci (Austin, TX)
|
| Appl. No.:
|
140138 |
| Filed:
|
August 25, 1998 |
| Current U.S. Class: |
62/457.2; 62/457.1 |
| Intern'l Class: |
F25D 003/08 |
| Field of Search: |
62/457.2,457.1
220/418
|
References Cited
U.S. Patent Documents
| 4050264 | Sep., 1977 | Tanaka | 62/457.
|
| 4738364 | Apr., 1988 | Yeager | 62/457.
|
| 5216900 | Jun., 1993 | Jones | 62/457.
|
| 5237838 | Aug., 1993 | Merritt-Munson | 62/457.
|
| 5400610 | Mar., 1995 | Macedo | 62/457.
|
| 5533361 | Jul., 1996 | Halpern | 62/457.
|
| 5658314 | Aug., 1997 | Scheffer et al. | 62/457.
|
| 5797528 | Aug., 1998 | McDuffie | 62/457.
|
| 5865314 | Feb., 1999 | Jacober | 62/457.
|
Primary Examiner: Bennett; Henry
Assistant Examiner: Shulman; Mark
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A system for organizing and transporting a plurality of personal items,
comprising;
a top cover having an inner and outer surface;
a bottom cover having an inner and outer surface hingedly attached to the
top cover;
a touch fastener system lining the inner surface of the top cover and the
bottom cover for securely holding a plurality of personal items in a fixed
position with touch fasteners by one of attaching the touch fastener to
the personal item and securing the personal item to the touch fastener
system and by placing at least one touch fastener across at least a
portion of the personal item and securing a first and second end of the at
least one fastener to the touch fastener system, therein each personal
item may be removed and replaced with the same or a different personal
item.
2. The system of claim 1, further comprising a fastener system for
fastening the top cover to the bottom cover in a closed position.
3. The system of claim 2, wherein the fastener system is comprised of a
zipper.
4. The system of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of storage pockets
mounted on either the top or bottom cover.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein the cooling system consists of at least
one refrigerant gel package located inside at least one exterior storage
pocket.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein the cooling system consists of at least
one refrigerant gel package located inside the travel case.
7. The system of claim 1, further comprising a strap externally attached to
the travel case wherein the strap may be monogrammed.
8. The system of claim 7, wherein the strap attached to the travel case is
detachable.
9. The system of claim 1, wherein the touch fastener system uses a hook and
loop type touch fastener.
10. The system of claim 1, wherein the exterior top cover, bottom cover,
and rectangular side are comprised of a suitable waterproof material.
11. The system of claim 1, wherein the personal items can be cosmetics,
cosmetic equipment, pens, pencils, a small flashlight, or a number of
other personal items.
12. A method for organizing and transporting detachable cosmetics, cosmetic
equipment, and other personal items, comprising:
forming a container by hingedly attaching a top cover and a bottom cover at
a rectangular side;
fastening the top cover to the bottom cover to seal the container;
lining the inside of the container with a touch fastener material;
securing detachable personal items inside the container with touch fastener
decals;
storing personal items in a plurality of storage pockets mounted on either
the top or bottom cover; and
removing and replacing personal items with the same or different personal
items as desired.
13. The method of claim 12, further comprising the step of attaching a
strap to the travel case wherein the strap can be monogrammed.
14. The method of claim 12, wherein the step of protecting the cosmetics
and other personal items from the heat due to warm temperatures is
accomplished by placing at least one refrigerant gel package proximate to
the travel case.
15. The method of claim 12, further comprising the step of lining the top
cover, bottom cover, and rectangular sides with a suitable waterproof
material.
16. The method of claim 12, wherein the step of fastening the top cover to
the bottom cover uses a zipper to fasten the top cover to the bottom
cover.
17. The method for organizing and transporting detachable cosmetics
according to claim 12, wherein the cosmetics and other personal items are
protected from heat due to warm temperatures by incorporating a cooling
system proximate to the travel case.
18. The method of claim 12, wherein the step of fastening the top cover to
the bottom cover uses a zipper to fasten the top cover to the bottom
cover.
19. The system for organizing and transporting a plurality of personal
items according to claim 1, wherein a cooling system is disposed between
the top and bottom cover, wherein the cooling system protects the personal
items from being damaged from heat due to warm temperatures.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to a field of storing and
transporting detachable personal items in a travel case. In particular,
this invention relates to a system and method for securely storing and
transporting detachable cosmetics, cosmetic equipment, and other personal
items in a travel case.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Traveling with cosmetics, cosmetic equipment, or other personal items can
be very troublesome. These items are typically carried in conventional
luggage in a random and disorganized fashion. The transported items are
often damaged. One solution has been to use a relatively small travel case
which has an upper lid, a tray, and a main central storage compartment.
Upon arrival at a destination away from home, such as a hotel, the
contents of the case are often removed, organized, and placed on bathroom
counters or dresser tops. However, not all travelers have the luxury of
these convenient surfaces. Furthermore, the transported items are often
bounced, bashed, and broken during travel. At times, the travel case may
open and spill the unrestrained items. The cosmetics can also be damaged
by the heat due to warm temperatures. The cost of replacing cosmetics
melted or damaged by the heat can be considerable.
Thus, there is a need for a small, convenient, multipurpose travel case
which can be carried and easily stored while traveling.
There is a need for a small, convenient, multipurpose travel case suited
for securely holding and protecting cosmetics, cosmetic equipment, and
other personal items from being bounced, bashed, and broken during
transport.
There is a need for a small, convenient, multipurpose travel case suited
for protecting cosmetics and other personal items from being damaged by
the heat due to warm temperatures.
Moreover, there is a need for a small, convenient, multipurpose travel case
suited for securely holding cosmetics, cosmetic equipment, and other
personal items such that they are visually presented in an organized
manner.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a system and method for organizing and
transporting cosmetics, cosmetic equipment, and other personal items, such
as a pen or small flashlight, that substantially eliminates or reduces
problems and disadvantages associated with previously developed cosmetic
travel cases.
More specifically, the present invention provides a system for organizing
and transporting detachable cosmetics, cosmetic equipment, and other
personal items. The system and method for securely storing and
transporting detachable cosmetics, cosmetic equipment, and other personal
items includes a top cover; a bottom cover hingedly attached to the top
cover at a rectangular side; a fastener system for fastening the top cover
to the bottom cover in a closed position; an internal lining of touch
fastener material on the top cover and the bottom cover; a plurality of
touch fastener decals matched to the internal lining of the top and bottom
cover to provide a method of attaching cosmetics, cosmetic equipment, and
other personal items to the interior of the travel case; and a cooling
system proximate to the travel case.
The present invention provides a technical advantage by protecting the
cosmetics or other personal items from damage due to heat from warm
temperatures through the use of a cooling system proximate to the travel
case.
The present invention provides another technical advantage by restraining
and thus preventing the contents of the travel case from being broken due
to handling during transport.
The present invention provides another advantage by visually presenting the
cosmetics, cosmetic equipment, and other personal items in an organized
manner.
The present invention provides another technical advantage by reducing or
eliminating the cost of replacing cosmetics or other personal items
damaged due to handling during transport.
The present invention provides another technical advantage by allowing the
user to stock the travel case with whichever cosmetics, cosmetic
equipment, or personal items are desired.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
For a more complete understanding of the present invention and the
advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following description
taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like
reference numerals indicate like features and wherein:
FIG. 1 illustrates the travel case in a folded and closed position;
FIG. 2 illustrates the system and method for securely storing cosmetics,
cosmetic equipment, and other personal items in the travel case;
FIG. 3 illustrates how a touch fastener decal might be used to secure
cosmetic, cosmetic equipment, or other personal items to the touch
fastener lining of the travel case;
FIG. 4 illustrates a typical vertical cross-sectional view of an
illustrative pocket and flap mounted on the exterior of the travel case
containing a refrigerant gel package; and
FIG. 5 illustrates the travel case in an unfolded open position with a
refrigerant gel package placed inside to keep the cosmetics cool during
warm temperatures.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Preferred embodiments of the present invention are illustrated in the FIGS.
1 through 5, like numerals being used to refer to like and corresponding
parts of the various drawings.
In general as shown in FIGS. 1 through 5, the present invention provides a
small, convenient, multipurpose travel case suited for securely holding
detachable cosmetics, cosmetic equipment, and other personal items 255.
The travel case 100 protects the cosmetics and other personal items 255
from being damaged by warm temperatures. The travel case 100 also
restrains and allows the contents to be visually presented in an organized
manner.
FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention in the closed
position. The travel case 100 is a small, convenient, multipurpose case of
a suitable size which can be carried and easily stored when necessary
during travel. The exterior shell of travel case 100 is preferably made
from at least one piece of a soft, waterproof material having a
rectangular top cover 110 hingedly attached to a rectangular bottom cover
120 at rectangular side 130. In the folded position as shown in FIG. 1,
the unattached sides can be fastened in the closed position using a
fastener system. A nylon zipper closure 140 is illustrated in the present
embodiment. An exterior pocket 160 for holding a small note pad can be
mounted on either the top cover 110 or bottom cover 120 of the travel case
100. A long narrow exterior pocket 170 can be mounted along side the
exterior pocket 160 for the purpose of holding a pen or pencil. Another
exterior pocket 180 with a flap 190 to secure the contents of the exterior
pocket 180 can be mounted on exterior pocket 160. Additionally, a strap
150 can be externally attached to the travel case 100 wherein the strap
150 may be personalized with a monogram. The strap 150 may be detachable
or permanently attached to the travel case 100.
FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention in the open
position. The interior lining 250 of travel case 100 is preferably made
from a touch fastener material such as the hook type sold under the
trademark Velcro. The internal lining 250 provides a surface to which
cosmetics, cosmetic equipment, and other personal items 255 may be
fastened when a second piece of touch fastener material 260, such as the
loop type sold under the trademark Velcro, is applied to the cosmetics,
cosmetic equipment, or other personal items 255.
The embodiment shown in FIG. 2 allows the user to place whichever
cosmetics, cosmetic equipment, or other personal items 255 desired in the
travel case 100 since they are all detachable. This is an advantage over
prior travel cases which come with a certain brand, type, or color of
cosmetics already permanently attached. Whenever the cosmetics in prior
cosmetic travel cases have been used up or damaged, a whole new travel
case had to be purchased. The present invention allows the user to have
more flexibility as to what cosmetics or other personal items go into the
travel case.
FIG. 3 illustrates the cosmetics, cosmetic equipment, or other personal
items 255 to which a piece of touch fastener material 260, sold under the
trademark Velcro, has been secured to the bottom of the cosmetics or other
personal items 255 by an adhesive coating on the backside of the fastener
material 260. The cosmetic, cosmetic equipment, or other personal items
255 can then be secured in the case 100 by the touch fasteners 250 and
255. This will allow a user to easily organize the contents of the travel
case 100 inside the travel case 100. Furthermore, fastening the cosmetics,
cosmetic equipment, and other personal items 255 inside the travel case
100 will keep them from being bounced, bashed, and broken during travel,
handling, or storage. This can clearly reduce or eliminate the cost of
replacing cosmetics or other personal items 255 which would have been
damaged inside prior travel cases.
FIG. 4 illustrates one embodiment of the present invention which protects
the contents of the travel case 100 from being damaged by the heat due to
warmer temperatures. External pocket 180 is shown with securing flap 190.
A removable refrigerant gel package 410 may be frozen and placed inside
the exterior pocket 180. Refrigerant gel package 410 can be readily
reused. Refrigerant gel is disclosed by way of example, in U.S. Pat. No.
2,803,115.
In an alternative embodiment, the refrigerant gel package 410 may be
incorporated into a sandwich layer in the external shell as illustrated in
FIG. 4. FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an exterior pocket on
either the top cover 110 or the bottom cover 120 of the travel case 100
which contains a refrigerant gel package 410. A sandwich layer 510 may be
constructed of different materials such as insulation, a flexible
refrigerant gel material, padding, or any combination thereof to help
control the internal temperature of the travel case 100 and protect its
contents. The exterior shell of the travel case 100 is preferably made
from at least one piece of a soft waterproof material.
FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention which
protects the contents of the travel case 100 from being damaged by the
heat due to warmer temperatures. In FIG. 5, travel case 100 is shown in an
unfolded, open position with a frozen refrigerant gel package 410 placed
inside on top of the cosmetics or other personal items 255 to keep them
cool. Refrigerant gel package 410 can be readily reused. Refrigerant gel
is disclosed by way of example in U.S. Pat. No. 2,803,115.
In summary, the present invention provides a system and method for
organizing and transporting cosmetics, cosmetic equipment, and other
personal items 255. The system includes a top cover 110 which is hingedly
attached to a bottom cover 120 at rectangular side 130. An internal touch
fastener system is employed for securely holding the detachable contents
of the travel case 100 in a fixed position. The present invention provides
an important technical advantage by providing a small, convenient,
multipurpose travel case 100 which can be carried and easily stored when
necessary. Furthermore, the present invention protects the contents of the
travel case 100 from being damaged due to the heat of warmer temperatures;
restrains and protects the contents from being broken during handling and
transport; and visually presents the contents in an organized manner.
Thus, the cost of replacing damaged cosmetics or other personal items 255
is reduced or eliminated.
Although the present invention has been described in detail, it should be
understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations can be made
hereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as
described by the appended claims.
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